4WD necessary in Kauai?
Dec 30th, 2008, 08:08 PM
#1
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4WD necessary in Kauai?
I am going to Kauai in mid-Feb for three nights. Ultimate Kauai recommends a 4WD. I could find SUV but not 4WD. No car rental companies I contacted could guarantee me a SUV = 4WD.
What part of Kauai really needs a 4WD? Can a standard size sedan handle the roads to Waimea Canyon / Pu'u o Kila Lookout and to Kalalau trail head?
My second question is about Na Pali boat tour. Does anyone have recommendation for an operator who goes deep into north? Or even better who starts from the north shore?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Dec 30th, 2008, 10:21 PM
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Aloha from Princeville...
4WD is only necessary on private roads. That Ultimate Kaua`i recommends one, is a puzzle!
Our roads are paved (except for a few backcountry ones, which you probably wouldn't be driving anyway).
In February, there are no Na Pali boat tours operating out of the north shore. You'll be departing from Pt. Allen, on the west side.
4WD is only necessary on private roads. That Ultimate Kaua`i recommends one, is a puzzle!
Our roads are paved (except for a few backcountry ones, which you probably wouldn't be driving anyway).
In February, there are no Na Pali boat tours operating out of the north shore. You'll be departing from Pt. Allen, on the west side.
Dec 31st, 2008, 03:32 AM
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Reply to hx88,
In my experience 6th ed. Ultimate Kaua`i indicates quite clearly the few areas where four wheel drive is recommended using "4WD" or "4WD from here" on some of the maps within (e.g. map of Koke`e State Park Trails).
Agree you will be fine in a standard sedan to reach the areas you mentioned (roads to Waimea Canyon / Pu'u o Kila Lookout and Kalalau trail head) and believe you will have a wonderful time.
In my experience 6th ed. Ultimate Kaua`i indicates quite clearly the few areas where four wheel drive is recommended using "4WD" or "4WD from here" on some of the maps within (e.g. map of Koke`e State Park Trails).
Agree you will be fine in a standard sedan to reach the areas you mentioned (roads to Waimea Canyon / Pu'u o Kila Lookout and Kalalau trail head) and believe you will have a wonderful time.
Feb 24th, 2009, 07:46 AM
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We just came back from our one week vacation in Hawaii. We split the time between Maui and Kauai. This is our second time to Maui but first time to Kauai. We had a great time.
I reserved a mid-SUV from Dollar and when i picked up the car, it ended up be a 4x4. There were only a few places I found i did need a AWD - the last few miles of the road to Kalalau Lookout are full of pot holes, Canyon Trail i can dip deep (less than 1 mile) into with a AWD. Unfortunately Polihale beach is closed, we found we could not really take advantages of the AWD.
We spent a good time inside Koke'e park, walking Nu?alolo and Awa?awapuhi and Canyon trails. The Nu?alolo and Awa?awapuhi trails took us 7 hours. A very nice couple voluntarily offered me a ride back to Nu?alolo.
At Kalalau lookout, we found an opening in the right corner fence which leads to a perfect viewpoint in a few yards. Highly recommended.
Thanks.
I reserved a mid-SUV from Dollar and when i picked up the car, it ended up be a 4x4. There were only a few places I found i did need a AWD - the last few miles of the road to Kalalau Lookout are full of pot holes, Canyon Trail i can dip deep (less than 1 mile) into with a AWD. Unfortunately Polihale beach is closed, we found we could not really take advantages of the AWD.
We spent a good time inside Koke'e park, walking Nu?alolo and Awa?awapuhi and Canyon trails. The Nu?alolo and Awa?awapuhi trails took us 7 hours. A very nice couple voluntarily offered me a ride back to Nu?alolo.
At Kalalau lookout, we found an opening in the right corner fence which leads to a perfect viewpoint in a few yards. Highly recommended.
Thanks.
